God has written an exquisite story for his servant Herman Charles Bennett. He was born to the late Joseph and Hellene Bennett in Richmond, Indiana on September 24, 1957. He departed from his earthly journey on April 30, 2019, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He led a strong and independent life despite his blindness. Herman preferred to be called “Charles” among his other musical alias names.
From the age of six to sixteen, Charles attended the Indiana School for the Blind. He excelled in music, wrestling and track and field, traveling throughout the tri-state area competing in various competitions. He became the I.H.S.A.A. state champion in wrestling and Junior Olympic champ in the 132 lb. class during his high school years. Charles graduated from Richmond Senior High School, in 1976, as the first totally blind person to graduate from a public high school in the state of Indiana.
Charles was extremely gifted in music. He was an excellent musician, the trumpet being his specialty, as well as the piano and drums. He played all genres of music in a multitude of venues across the tri-state area. He marched in Richmond’s High School Marching Band. In his adult years, he blessed many with his musical talents playing in churches and with gospel groups. He played trumpet with the Tim Brickley Quintet for many years, which included playing at the Indy 500 Victory Banquet among other major events. He also loved to be called by his musical aliases: “The Music Master,” “Sir Charlie B” (trumpet) and “The Heart Beat” (drums). He also recorded his trumpet skills with several groups including Charles Moorer and the Faithful Few.
Charles performed other amazing activities despite his blindness. He loved to swim and jump from the high dive into deep water. He ran the Indy 500 Mini-Marathon as an adult and completed the race. He really loved to barbeque on his patio and listen to music. He was a man with many talents. His laughter was infectious and his humor created many laughs!
Charles loved God and the word of God, and received his Certificate of Ordination of The Gospel Ministry on January 10, 2016. Charles loved to preach the Word and he also used his gifted voice to sing praises to his King, Christ Jesus. Charles was a part of many ministries through the years doing Kingdom work. He is now safely home with the Lord!
Charles united in Holy matrimony to Raquel Denise Gray in 2007. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, his sons; John Dupree and Joshua Bennett; daughter, Kira; brothers, Joseph Bennett II and Francis (Kristi) Bennett; sister, Stacey (John) Mobley, close nephew, Clayton Bennett, and a host of nieces and nephews, and very devoted loving family and friends. Charles will be missed beyond words…